| So, you have decided on an aquarium for freshwater | | | | Once you get home, layout your notes and make a |
| fish but haven't a clue what kind to get. Okay, take | | | | list of species that match the closest for pH, |
| a deep breath, get a pen and paper, then let's take | | | | temperature, social compatibility and so forth; once |
| some time and cover a few basics you need to be | | | | you have that accomplished, double check your |
| aware of before picking out your fish. | | | | information with books or online. From there, make |
| First, ask yourself if you want serene, slow moving | | | | your choices based on best matches. |
| fish, providing a peaceful environment. Or maybe you | | | | This truly is a great way to identify which breeds will |
| like fish of a particular shape or size; perhaps you | | | | be best for you. |
| want colorful, flashy fish. | | | | Your Fish Will Want A Variety of Food |
| Each person is going to have their own individual | | | | Be sure to account for the dietary needs of your |
| style; but no matter what, you will need fish if you | | | | fish when making your selections. Each fish will have |
| plan on having a freshwater fish aquarium!. | | | | different eating habits, some will stay on the bottom, |
| The type you choose will take some effort on your | | | | and others will eat at the surface. |
| part, especially if you will be mixing breeds. Putting in | | | | It is okay to mix top and bottom feeders in the |
| the time to research now will prevent fish injury or | | | | same aquarium, just be observant and make certain |
| loss later. | | | | that food pellets are arriving at the lower levels. |
| Research Can Prevent Fish Loss | | | | Providing a good dietary regimen for your fish is |
| Don't be afraid to speak to the staff at your local | | | | easier if their needs are similar. Remember, hungry |
| fish store, you will be pleasantly suppressed to find | | | | fish will become stressed fish, which can lead to |
| that they are just as fervent about the aquarium | | | | injury, illness and even death! |
| hobby as you are! They can respond to your | | | | Be mindful that some fish have cannibalistic |
| questions and help keep you on the pathway to | | | | tendencies, it can be a fish eat fish world in there! |
| healthy, happy fish. | | | | This is a very real risk and needs to be taken |
| There are many questions to ask, including: | | | | seriously. |
| - Does this fish want hiding places or open spaces? | | | | When pairing your fish, be aware that aggressive fish |
| - What are the pH requirements of this fish. Does it | | | | attack other fish. You may need to furnish |
| need low pH or high pH? | | | | sanctuaries for smaller, more timid fish to hide in. |
| - Will this fish play nicely with tank mates? | | | | Taking the time to match the aggression levels of |
| - Does this fish want live food or will flakes, pellets | | | | your fish will benefit everyone. The bullies of the |
| and the like suffice? Is this fish a bottom or top | | | | tank know when to retreat to avoid more serious |
| eater? | | | | injuries. |
| - How big will this fish grow? Will it still be happy in | | | | Managing Aggression |
| your aquarium at its adult size! | | | | As a general rule fish are aggressive by nature, with |
| - Is the temperature range for this fish going to be | | | | the males being more so. Avoid putting more than |
| compatible with the other fish you plan to have? | | | | one male in each tank if you are stocking more |
| Providing a happy middle ground can be challenging | | | | aggressive breeds. |
| when choosing more than one breed for your | | | | Even something as simple as a fish with a similar color |
| aquarium, the more you know about your fishes | | | | will trigger aggression so be mindful who you are |
| needs, the better you can prepare and the happier | | | | asking to live together. Stocking two or three |
| your fish will be. Happy fish = healthy fish! | | | | females for every male will normally avoid conflicts, |
| We could discuss fish breeds, but after all is said and | | | | but it does really hinge on the specific breed. |
| done, your choice will come down to one thing... | | | | The Ultimate Offense |
| which fish will capture your heart. To get the most | | | | Making choices without being properly educated can |
| value from your research, we suggest the following: | | | | lead to disaster; the time to discover that your fish |
| Locate several fish supply stores in your area, plan a | | | | are not compatible is before you bring them home, |
| visit and check out their stock. If you have a number | | | | not when you return from that camping trip and call |
| of fish stores in your neighborhood, visit all of them! | | | | the police to file a missing fish report! |
| Your primary purpose is to identify which fish catch | | | | If you are not prepared, you will almost surely end |
| your eye, then make a note of the species in a note | | | | up with a tragedy; so take the time to research the |
| pad. Be sure to converse with the staff about any | | | | species you want, make informed choices and you |
| special needs and jot that down as well. | | | | will have a perfect group of fish for a very long time. |